Basketball

Malaysia edges out fighting Indonesia for first win in SEABA U16

Norman Lee Benjamin Riego on May 14, 2017 12:26 PM

CLUTCH. Jonh Tang was a star while Yi Kang Teoh had 12 turnovers, but more than made up for them with his decisive plays in the endgame.

John Tang started strong, Yi Kang Teoh finished stronger for Malaysia in the opening game of the SEABA Under-16 Championship.

On the back of Tang’s 23 points and Teoh’s heads-up play inside the last two minutes, the Malaysians got the better of Indonesia, 63-58, on Sunday at the Araneta Coliseum.

Malaysia was in command from the get-go and still had a 50-36 lead early on after halftime

It was at that point, however, that the Indonesians turned up the heat with full-court pressure. From the 2:56 mark of the third to the 3:34 of the fourth, they allowed no makes to snatch away a two-point advantage.

Jason Khor finally broke the silence for the Malaysians with a fastbreak layup before Teoh’s short stab and assist re-established a 61-57 lead for them.

Indonesia would not be able to threaten the rest of the way.

Teoh wound up with five points, 11 rebounds, and eight assists. He also had 12 turnovers, but more than made up for it with his decisive plays in the endgame.

Sam Yap also added 10 markers for Malaysia (1-0) which will move on to face off against debuting Thailand on Monday.

The Indonesians (0-1) were led by Darryl Sebastian who had 12 points. Next up for them is home team Philippines also scheduled on Monday.